Avoid a costly fruit fly fine these holidays

Agriculture Victoria is asking all travellers to check that they are not carrying any fresh fruit or vegetables in their vehicles when crossing into fruit fly free zones these holidays.

Queensland fruit fly (QFF) is a significant pest which can infest many varieties of fruit and vegetables. It costs an estimated $300 million per year in control and lost markets for horticulture across Australia.

Heavy fines apply if you are caught taking host fruit or fruiting vegetables into a designated QFF pest-free area.

The South Australian Government announced today that more than 230 drivers are facing fines of $375 each for illegally bringing fruit into South Australia following a random roadblock operation at Bordertown last weekend. Motorists can face fines and penalties of up to $100,000 if found with restricted fresh produce items.

The best way to prevent QFF from spreading is to not travel with any fruit or vegetables. Fruit and vegetables grown in home gardens have a higher chance of being infested with eggs and larvae than store-bought produce.

Dr Rosa Crnov, Chief Plant Health Officer for Victoria said, we all have a part to play in protecting our multi-million dollar horticultural industries and international markets.

“Please be aware of your responsibilities, read the signs and make sure you’re doing the right thing these holidays.

“Roadside signs on the approach to South Australia are there to remind drivers that fresh produce and vegetables must not be carried into that state.

“Host fruit or fruiting vegetables must be disposed of in quarantine bins located on the roadside where the signs are in place.

“When travelling by air, there are signs and announcements in airports to remind travellers to dispose of any fresh produce in quarantine bins.”

Following changes to the Victorian Government structure, the content on this site is in transition. There may be references to previous departments, these are being updated. Please call 136 186 to clarify any specific information.